Ah, tequila, a distilled spirit originating from Mexico, renowned for its distinct and robust flavor profile. Today, we’re taking a look at the top ten most popular tequila brands and what makes them different from one another. Keep in mind that popularity isn’t always an indicator of quality. However, in most of these popular tequila brands you’ll see today, quality is certainly one of the brands’ main concerns. So, let’s dive in and see which popular tequila brands reign supreme! 

Learn More: National Tequila Day: What Is Tequila Made From & How Do I Use It?

What Makes “Good” Tequila?

What sets “good” tequila apart lies in a combination of factors (and personal preference) that contribute to its overall quality and taste profile. First and foremost, the primary factor is the use of 100% blue agave as the base ingredient. High-quality tequila is made solely from the sweet and robust blue agave plant, which imparts distinct and authentic flavors. Cheaper varieties may blend agave with other sugars or additives, diluting the true essence of tequila.

Learn More: What Does Tequila Taste Like?

How Are “Rankings” Determined?

For the purposes of this post, “popularity” was determined by search engine keyword volume. This means that the top-ranking brands were searched more often and in larger volume. This is generally a good indication of how popular something is, but it can be driven by social factors, such as outstanding advertisement campaigns, celebrity backing, and much more. Regardless, these numbers still speak to how public interest has peaked in regards to the brands you’ll see.

Disclaimer: Distillery Nearby is not affiliated with any of the brands you’ll see here. We do not receive commissions of any kind by listing the following brands.

Top 10 Tequila Brands

All information is up-to-date as of 7/26/2023.

So, which tequila brands rank the highest, and what makes them different from one another? Let’s get started!

#10: DeLeón Tequila

This tequila brand was launched in 2009 and picked up in 2014 by Sean Combs working in conjunction with Diageo. The brand was created to “establish a new standard of luxury in tequila,” and it certainly did so. DeLeón has all three types of tequila, and they are priced according to the luxury vibe they offer.

DeLeón Tequila’s Agave

DeLeón prides themselves on using only the best, sweetest piñas from the agave plant. They then roast their agave piñas in traditional clay and brick ovens. During fermentation, DeLeón ensures a slow fermentation to add depth and complexity to the final product.

DeLeón Tequila’s Distillation

DeLeón tequila is distilled just twice, which is intentional, so as to not lose all of the depth of flavor that was imbued with a slow fermentation process. During the two distillations, the “heart” or “corazón” is pulled out for bottling. DeLeón claims that this is the best portion that has a subtle taste and extravagant finish.

DeLeón Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for DeLeón tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• DeLeón Blanco Tequila – Starting at $36.99 / 750 mL
• DeLeón Reposado Tequila – Starting at $47.99 / 750 mL
• DeLeón Añejo Tequila – Starting at $51.49 / 750 mL
• DeLeón Diamante Tequila – Starting at $135.99 / 750 mL
• DeLeón Extra Añejo Tequila – Starting at $386.99 / 750 mL

#9: Fortaleza Tequila

This tequila brand boasts five generations of distilling and agave growing experience – something that is nearly unrivaled in the tequila scene. Over 150 years ago, Don Cenobio founded La Perseverancia, his first distillery. There’s a long history surrounding this brand that you can read about here: The History of Tequila Fortaleza

Fortaleza Tequila’s Process

From using a small brick oven to cook agave, to the tahona used to squeeze the agave, Fortaleza’s process remains the same. Fortaleza prides themselves on artisanal, traditional methods for making the best tequila possible.

Fortaleza Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for Fortaleza tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• Fortaleza Blanco Tequila – Starting at $72.99 / 750 mL
• Fortaleza Reposado Tequila – Starting at $100.99 / 750 mL
• Fortaleza Añejo Tequila – Starting at $112.99 / 750 mL

#8: Don Julio 1942 Tequila

While Don Julio makes a wide variety of tequilas, their specific “1942” is what ranked eighth in the search rankings. This iconic tequila is “the choice of connoisseurs around the globe.” It comes in a tall, slender bottle and is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave.

Each batch is aged for at least 2 ½ years and is “a tribute to the year that Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey.” Here are the notes from Don Julio about how 1942 tequila tastes, smells, and finishes:

• Taste: “Warm oak, vanilla and roasted agave”
• Smell: “Rich caramel and chocolate”
• Finish: “Lingering oak and rich vanilla”

Don Julio 1942 Tequila Price

According to ReserveBar, 1942 tequila starts at $197.99 per 750 mL bottle.

#7: Espolón Tequila

Creator Maestro Cirilo started Espolón tequila after allegedly having “horrendous” tequila at a party. He made it his mission to make a tequila that “saluted ancestral traditions, yet wasn’t bound to them.” Now, Espolón tequila is made in Los Altos, Jalisco, from 100% Blue Weber agave, as you might expect.

Espolón tequila steams their piñas in custom autoclaves to pressurize them to produce unique tasting notes. Using roller mills, the sugars are extracted from the piñas. During fermentation, Espolón plays classical music for the yeast in their vats – yes, you read right!

Fun Fact: Espolón turns the fibers from sugar extraction into fertilizer and sends some of it to local farms.

During distillation, Espolón uses both pot and column stills to produce a unique tequila; Espolón also claims that they take unique fractions from the distillation process and that this contributes to their signature taste. For aging, casks are filled at lower ABV; this way, Espolón doesn’t have to water the final product down as much. They say this helps the tequila maintain more of its flavor.

Espolón Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for Espolón tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• Espolón Tequila Blanco – Starting at $29.99 / 750 mL
• Espolón Tequila Reposado – Starting at $30.99 / 750 mL
• Espolón Tequila Añejo – Starting at $36.49 / 750 mL
• Espolón Tequila Cristalino – Starting at $62.99
• Espolón Añejo X – Starting at $95.99 / 750 mL

#6: 1800 Tequila

1800 Tequila takes pride in its captivating story, which revolves around a heritage of rich craftsmanship. The brand’s name pays homage to the year 1800 when tequila was first aged in oak barrels, underscoring its commitment to tradition. 

1800 Tequila sources 100% blue Weber agave from Jalisco, Mexico, ensuring an authentic and quality product. Their tequila undergoes a double-distillation process, resulting in a remarkably smooth and refined taste. They offer a range of expressions, from the bold Blanco to the sophisticated Añejo, each delivering a unique and delightful flavor experience. 

Overall, 1800 Tequila’s dedication to preserving tradition and capturing the essence of agave shines through in their premium tequilas enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide.

1800 Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for 1800 tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• 1800 Tequila Blanco – Starting at $28.99 / 750 mL
• 1800 Tequila Reposado – Starting at $26.99 / 750 mL
• 1800 Tequila Añejo – Starting at $43.99 / 750 mL
• 1800 Tequila Cristalino – Starting at $64.99 / 750 mL
• 1800 Tequila Milenio – Starting at $194.49 / 750 mL

#5: El Patrón Tequila

With a commitment to excellence, Patrón sources only the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. They follow traditional and meticulous production methods, including a careful hand-harvesting process, slow baking, and a unique tahona milling technique, which sets them apart. 

Patrón’s master distillers use their expertise to create a smooth and premium tequila that undergoes both distillation and aging in oak barrels. This dedication to craftsmanship and quality ensures each bottle of Patrón Tequila offers a truly exceptional taste experience, appreciated by tequila connoisseurs worldwide.

El Patrón Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for Patrón tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• Silver Patrón Tequila – Starting at $45.99 / 750mL
• Reposado Patrón Tequila – Starting at $58.99 / 750 mL
• Añejo Patrón Tequila – Starting at $61.99 / 750 mL
• Extra Añejo Patrón Tequila – Starting at $83.99 / 750 mL

#4: Teremana Tequila

Celebrity-backed Teremana sources 100% blue Weber agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, ensuring the finest quality for its tequila. Embracing traditional methods, including slow roasting in brick ovens and using copper pot stills for distillation, Teremana Tequila preserves the agave’s authentic flavors. 

Co-founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Teremana Tequila showcases a hands-on approach, with Johnson actively participating in the crafting process. The result is a smooth and flavorful tequila that captures the essence of the agave plant. Teremana’s commitment to producing an outstanding spirit resonates with tequila enthusiasts, making it a beloved choice worldwide.

Teremana Tequila Reviews

Teremana tequila has won many awards and continues to be a world-wide favorite. Check out which awards Teremana tequila has won here.

Teremana Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for Teremana tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• Teremana Tequila Blanco – Starting at $32.99 / 750 mL
• Teremana Tequila Reposado – Starting at $37.99 / 750 mL
• Teremana Añejo Tequila – Starting at $49.99 / 750 mL

#3: 818 Tequila

Celebrity-backed, women-owned 818 Tequila takes pride in sourcing 100% blue Weber agave from the Amatitán region of Jalisco, Mexico, ensuring only the best Blue Weber agave for its tequila. 818 tequila embraces traditional methods, including using 6-7 year old agave, 70-hour fermentation, 30+ hour cooking of the agave, and distilling twice in copper pot stills.  

818 Tequila Owner: Who Owns 818 Tequila?

Founded by Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila reflects a passion for tequila and a commitment to delivering a premium product.

818 Tequila Reviews

818 tequila has won many awards and continues to be a world-wide favorite. Check out which awards Teremana tequila has won here.

818 Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for 818 tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• 818 Tequila Blanco – Starting at $38.99 / 750 mL
• 818 Tequila Reposado – Starting at $49.99 / 750 mL
• 818 Tequila Añejo – Starting at $58.99 / 750 mL
• 818 Eight Reserve Añejo Tequila – Starting at $197.99 / 750 mL

#2: Clase Azul Tequila

Clase Azul sources the finest organic agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, ensuring the utmost quality for its tequila. The brand embraces traditional methods, with each bottle meticulously crafted and hand-painted by skilled artisans, creating a unique and exquisite presentation. 

Clase Azul’s tequila is distilled using copper pot stills, preserving the agave’s natural flavors and producing a smooth and flavorful spirit. With a focus on craftsmanship, elegance, and authenticity, Clase Azul Tequila has garnered praise from enthusiasts worldwide, becoming a true symbol of Mexican pride and heritage.

Clase Azul Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for Clase Azul tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• Clase Azul Plata Tequila – Starting at $134.99 / 750 mL
• Clase Azul Reposado Tequila – Starting at $160.99 / 750 mL
• Clase Azul Añejo Tequila – Starting at $654.99 / 750 mL
• Clase Azul Ultra Tequila – Starting at $2,011.99 / 750 mL

#1: Casamigos Tequila

According to search rankings, the number one most popular tequila brand is currently celebrity-backed Casamigos Tequila. It was founded by individuals who sought to craft a tequila they would enjoy drinking with family and friends. Their vision led to sourcing 100% blue Weber agave from Jalisco, Mexico, ensuring the finest quality for Casamigos Tequila. 

They embrace a slow and traditional cooking process, followed by fermentation and distillation in small batches to maintain the agave’s authentic flavors. Casamigos Tequila’s dedication to excellence and taste resulted in a smooth and refined tequila, perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails. As a testament to their passion and craftsmanship, Casamigos Tequila quickly gained popularity and has become a beloved choice among tequila enthusiasts worldwide.

Casamigos Tequila Owner

Casamigos was founded by friends George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. It has been featured in many US magazines. Learn more here.

Casamigos Tequila Price

Here are the current low prices for Casamigos tequila, according to ReserveBar:

• Casamigos Blanco Tequila – Starting at $50.99 / 750 mL
• Casamigos Reposado Tequila – Starting at $54.99 / 750 mL
• Casamigos Añejo Tequila – Starting at $54.99 / 750 mL
• Casamigos Cristalino Tequila – Starting at $54.99 / 750 mL

Distillery Nearby: Your Source for Finding Local Cocktail Ingredients

It goes without saying that some of these bottles are for enjoying on their own! With high sticker prices, you’d expect to use Clase Azul or Patron, for example, as sipping tequila. However, some of these other brands are priced reasonably enough to use as cocktail tequila. You can find local distilleries near you for your other cocktail ingredients (not tequila, unfortunately!) by using our by-state directory.

From all of us here at Distillery Nearby,

Happy tequila mixing and sipping!